Mechanization in Construction Industry- Motivations, and Advantages

Mechanization is the process of shifting from working largely or exclusively by hand to do that work using machines. The construction projects are becoming more demanding and complicated in construction and delay of projects would arise if the conventional construction method is used.

Delays in construction are costly and have prompted developers to embrace mechanization. Construction machinery is used in order to achieve larger output, cost-effective, execution of work that is not feasible by manual efforts, reduce the amount of heavy manual work which would cause fatigue, maintaining large output, and finalize projects on time.

Mechanization is based on rented construction equipment is cost-effective. construction equipment when rented can be exactly to match the requirement. For rented equipment, time to make the equipment ready for operation is important.

Motivations for Mechanization of Construction Industry

• The work can be done speedily which avoids the time and cost over-runs.
• A large number of materials can be handled, so the size of the project can be increased
• The complex projects involving high-grade material.
• High-quality standards can be maintained.
• A time schedule can be kept.
• Optimum use of material, manpower, and finance.
• Shortage of skilled and efficient manpower.
• To control the duration and cost implications by using mechanized equipment over the Conventional method, which can be used in the planning of construction projects.
• Lower insurance costs for builders.
• Easier and safer work for construction workers.
• Increased sustainability over a building’s lifetime.
• Little to no building-site construction waste.

Applications of Construction Mechanization

1. Highway projects
2. Irrigation
3. Buildings
4. Power plant and other applications

Fig. 1: Highway Construction

Fig. 2: Mechanization of Building Construction

Sources of Construction Mechanization

Fig. 1 illustrate the source of equipment from which construction equipment can be selected and obtained.

Fig. 3: Sources of Equipment

Factors Affecting Selection of Construction Equipment

1. Availability of equipment.
2. Suitability of job condition with special reference to climatic and operating condition.
3. Uniformity type; easier operation and maintenance, easy exchange of spare parts and operating personnel.
4. Size of equipment.
5. Use of standard equipment; made by several companies so that easy purchase and delivery.
6. Country of origin; If importing foreign exchange facilities should be easily available.
7. The unit cost of production – the cost of running.
8. Availability of spare parts and selection of manufacturers.
9. Availability of local labor for operations.
10. Function to be performed.
11. The capacity of the equipment.
12. Method of operation and its limitations.

Common Types of Construction Equipment

• Earthmoving equipment
• Hauling equipment
• Hoisting equipment
• Conveying equipment
• Aggregate and concrete production equipment
• Pile driving equipment
• Tunneling and rock drilling equipment
• Pumping and dewatering equipment
• Tower cranes
• Laser Screeding Paving machine
• Plastering machine
• Bar cutting machine
• Bar straightening
• Core drill machine
• Laser screed Machine
• Arial platform work lifting machine

Fig. 4: Tunnel Construction Machine

Fig. 5: Laser Screed Machine

Advantages of Construction Mechanization
Economical
Improve construction quality
Increase the safety of construction conditions
Enhance the speed of construction
Feasibility
Disadvantages of Construction Mechanization

1. Loss of Skill

The craftsman with the superior skill had disappeared. Such skill is no longer necessary. The only type of skill that is needed now is to run the machines.

2. Dependence

Machinery has increased our dependence on others. We depend on our water and light on the satisfactory working of water-works and the power-house.

A small flaw would result in the supply of these necessaries being cut off at any time. This may mean not only an inconvenience but a serious dislocation of normal life.

3. Insanitary Surroundings

Big factories pollute their surroundings and make them filthy and unsanitary. This has led to moral degradation and physical deterioration.

4. Over-specialization

Machinery leads to too much specialization. This overspecialization increases the risk of unemployment and cramps the worker physically.

5. Class-conflict

The use of machinery is responsible for class-conflict—the capitalist on one side and the laborer on the other.

6. Unemployment

It creates unemployment because one machine can take the place of several men.